Accession Number:

AD0774778

Title:

Cytochemical and Cytofunctional Studies of the Vestibular System. Functional Implications with Regard to the Concept of Endolymph Circulation,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

TORONTO UNIV (ONTARIO) DEPT OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Personal Author(s):

• Dohlman,G. F.

Report Date:

1973-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

16.0

Abstract:

Colloidal thorium dioxide as a marker injected into the endolymph demonstrated a stimulation of the pinocytotic activity of all non-sensory cells except the dark cells, which totally rejected the thorium, due to their specific surface charge. This is interpreted as an additional indication for the function of the dark cells as ion-exchanging cells pumping potassium ions into the endolymph, thereby creating a positive charge. The pinocytosis of the rest of the non-sensory cells has been regarded as most likely accounting for the absorption producing the radial flow of endolymph. The use of the marker has further illustrated the process of pinocytotic uptake in the lysosomes and has partly indicated the disposal of the indigestible foreign bodies. Some cells have been totally damaged by the thorium. The cell debris from these cells, however, are not phagocytized by the cells in the peripheral labyrinth.

Descriptors:

• *LYMPH
• *EAR
• *VESTIBULAR APPARATUS
• CIRCULATION
• OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY
• BIOLOGICAL ABSORPTION
• CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• POTASSIUM
• ION EXCHANGE
• CYTOCHEMISTRY
• PHYSIOLOGY

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE